What are the top issues for the 2nd district?
The top issues confronting the second district, not in any specific order, are infrastructure (including roads), affordable housing (homeless), permits, crime, sufficient and affordable water, taxes, and disaster preparedness.
Many of these are interrelated. For instance, homelessness is affected by affordable housing, which is related to permits and water issues. So, solutions to these issues will not be simple.
What thoughts do you have on boosting affordable housing, finding real solutions for homelessness and the daily traffic jams on highway 1?
Completely revamp the permit process for homeowners, to make permits for ADU’s and basic home remodeling much more affordable in far less time.
Community meetings to identify and develop neighborhoods for higher density housing, where the majority of residents agree with the increases. Foster group homes, small homes and local treatment facilities in areas residents agree are acceptable.
All public work needs to be planned ahead of time and allow for alternative routes without all roads being under construction at the same time.
The schedule of repairs should be provided by the County with estimated dates of starting and completion, with updates at least weekly on the progress of each project.
Can you talk about your housing situation? Homeowner or renter? How does that help you relate to 2nd District constituents?
My wife and I own a home. When we bought our first home, we had to take out a first and second mortgage to afford the purchase.
The second had four points added to the loan, that cost us an additional $4,000 just to get the loan. But, in the time the house was in escrow, the value went up by as much, so we went through with the purchase and are so glad we did. We need to create ways that more people can buy vs. rent.
As an owner, you have more protection against eviction and rental increases. Owning often gives you a way to move up as well. Rent to own, could be a big help. We may be able to get federal, State and businesses helping with this. For renters, we need to find ways to keep rent affordable. If we offer low interest loans to homeowners to build ADU’s, where the rent is tied to an agreed schedule for the life of the loan, maybe we can keep rents affordable for longer periods of time.
We could use the revenue from short-term rentals for this. The County receives 100% of this revenue for these type of units.
Can you describe your family situation? Married/single? Children/pets?
I have been married to Natalain for 36 years. We have two children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
We also have two cats, George and Jenna.
Your favorite spot in the 2nd district?
My favorite spot in the second district is Seacliff State Beach, we walk there as often as we can.
The beauty and power of the ocean in all its glory and potential are a wonder to behold.
You spend your free time doing what?
In whatever free time I have, I like to read mystery fiction, work on my inventions, and enjoy the wonder and beauty of nature.
How long have you lived in Santa Cruz County? What brought you here?
I have been here for 42 years.
A good friend of mine moved here in 1980 and spoke of the incredible beauty of the area.
My brother and I decided to come down a year later and check it out. I have been here ever since.
If your main enterprise is Deja View Farm, tell me about the challenges & blessings of running an organic farm.
Farming is not my main enterprise. My wife and I do love producing organic food. But, there are just too many government rules, regulations, and requirements for our farms.
Even with eight certified organic acres being farmed with micro-drip irrigation, we still need a State license, must report the use of certified organic products used, and pay for water used from our own well.
Being a farmer also makes me aware of the air, water, and transportation issues involving District 2.
Will you push back against the state demands for more housing, as the state auditor says those numbers were based on unsupported assumptions? See www.auditor.ca.gov/pdfs/reports/2021-125.pdf
We need to not only push back, but make the State responsible for any costs associated with the mandate.
People in this district feel we are running out of room for new residents. Not enough water, not enough electricity — PG&E brownouts — and potholes instead of well-maintained roads. What do you say?
They are partially correct. It is not that we don’t have the space (land) to build, but that we don’t have the essential services.
Although we have little control over people moving here, we do need to deal with the infrastructure needs, to avoid catastrophic failure.
Roads, water, sewage, housing, medical care, electricity, the list goes on. Without these essential elements, life in Santa Cruz County will be negatively impacted by the State mandates.
In this district, legal cannabis entrepreneurs have been restricted, and the industry has found other counties more welcoming, bring them more sales tax revenue.
What’s your position on legal cannabis businesses, growing and selling?
Any legal business should be allowed to operate successfully, without undue influence.
We shouldn’t need separate treatment of one business over another. But, we must always strive to understand the needs of our constituents.